‘Same-Day Dentures’ is a Misnomer

You have probably seen the advertisements for ‘Same-Day Dentures’ at a very low cost. This can be confusing because patients think a dentist can literally extract teeth and deliver the denture the same day. While there are a few clinic settings where this is done, we do not recommend it. The more proper terminology is ‘Immediate Dentures’. And even the word ‘immediate’ is confusing because in reality, it takes a number of appointments and several months before you actually have the final denture. It is better to look at it as a ‘temporary denture’ that is placed immediately following extractions to aid in healing and aesthetics while you wait for the final dentures.

Here is why same-day/immediate denture terminology is not really correct. The creation of temporary dentures does only require one or two visits prior to tooth extractions, however, following that, there is a lot of follow-up. On the day of delivery, you will be seen by an oral surgeon for extraction of the appropriate teeth and he will deliver the temporary denture sent to him by our lab. Because they are made in advance of any surgery, you can’t tell exactly how your mouth will look after teeth are removed and the temporary denture is inserted.

More office visits are required during the first few months to watch for changes in the gums and in the mouth function. Also the original good fit and occlusion of the immediate denture will be lost as healing takes place. This is normal. Because of changes in the tissues after removal of the teeth, immediate dentures usually need to be re-fitted by a dentist within several (usually six) months. This involves additional expense. In some cases new dentures must be made.

In contrast, the molds for conventional/permanent dentures are made once the gum tissues have healed following any tooth extractions, which takes about six to eight weeks or sometimes, months. During this time, the gum tissues will shrink and so the fit of temporary dentures will change. Once you have healed, four to five visits may be necessary for the fabrication phase of the final denture, plus any adjustments. The fabrication phase consists of impressions, bite records, tooth selection and try-in of the teeth. In a very few cases, the temporary denture can become the final denture after a number of relines and re-fittings.

Like any other procedure, the insertion of immediate dentures does have limitations, of which you should be aware. There are some people for whom immediate dentures are not advisable because of their general health or specific oral problems. Dr. Still will go over all this with you at your consultation.

So if you are tempted to go the ‘Same-Day/Low Cost’ route, think again. Most people really don’t want discount work done on their body. Call Smile Sarasota today and Dr. Still will answer all your questions about dentures.